Last Edition of 4x4 & Mpv Driver

AUTO CENTRAL – February 26, 2009: The recession’s latest victim is the monthly motoring magazine 4x4 & MPV Driver. The March 2009 issue on sale today (February 26) will be the last.

The magazine started, as What MPV?, in June 2002 and quickly became popular with readers and advertisers thanks to a real-world approach to family motoring that accurately reflected the move towards “crossover” vehicles.

4x4 & MPV Driver also made its mark by embracing areas of motoring ignored by other magazines, as well as providing the UK’s most comprehensive section devoted to double-cab pickups, latterly under the stewardship of Brett Fraser.

Editor, Bob Murray, said: “In the past seven years 4x4s and MPVs have changed massively. The days of the super-dull MPV and inefficient and lumbering 4x4 are over. Today they are far more dynamic, stylish and environmentally friendly while being just as practical.

“Recording that transformation every month in 4x4 & MPV Driver has been tremendous fun, as everyone who has worked on the magazine will testify.”

4x4 & MPV Driver will be missed not just by a loyal readership and advertising base but also by many writers, photographers and subs on whom it depended during its near-seven year run. Uniquely, the magazine relied entirely on freelancers.

“I would like to thank everyone who supported 4x4 & MPV Driver,” said Murray. “Losing it is a huge blow. It will leave a big gap on motoring magazine shelves.”

Bob Murray and art director Matthew Evans are pursuing new motoring publishing ventures together, including a magazine dedicated to low CO2 cars.